Holy scam: When chasing miracles cost citizens millions

When Oluremi Sokoya, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, stopped attending her Pentecostal church in Lagos, it sent shockwaves through the congregation. The pastor, who had taken notice of her generous giving, began to exert control over her finances, demanding money for church projects and even sexually assaulting her. Sokoya alleges that she spent nearly half a million Naira on the pastor's family, buying expensive clothing and groceries for them.

In addition to financial exploitation, the cleric also allegedly touched and sexually abused Sokoya on multiple occasions. Despite retrieving some of her money from the pastor, Sokoya has vowed never to return to the church, calling out his false promises of prosperity. A similar case of alleged exploitation by a 'prophet' named Emmanuel is detailed by Sam and Mary Udofia, an Ibadan couple, who claim he controlled all aspects of their lives, siphoning money from them through fear and manipulation.